Dual circling exercise method and device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device which uses two generally opposing guide mounted grips, supported on one or more bases, which are used to guide a user through generally circular movements for exercise of the human body.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section. 119(e) of provisional Application Ser. No. 60/497,283, entitled “Dual Circling Exercise Device,” filed Aug. 22, 2003 of which application is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention relates to an exercise method and an exercise device. More specifically, to an exercise device and method using guided upper body circular motion.

2. Related Art

A variety of resistance exercise devices are known in the art. Upper body devices generally involve a linear, or near linear stroke-type movement back and forth, or up and down to simulate weight lifting. The motion on these devices is substantially a back and forth or modified back and forth (up and down) linear motion. Circular motion running or steeping exercise device to simulate running or walking with connected pedals or treadles are known.

Back and forth linear motion exercise devices often require the user to start and stop at the end of each stroke-type movement. It would therefore be a desideratum to have a non-linear motion exercise device with reduced stops and starts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a circular motion exercise device. In Tai Chi the use of circular movement to build and utilize the “Chi” of the practioneer is well known. When using the circular motion exercise device and method the user's guided arm movement exercise muscles in the human body. The circular movements tend to be non-jarring. The user is positioned adjacent to two grips, such as handles. The grips are each attached to a guide. The guide forms a movable member. Each guide or movable member is pivotally attached to a support or base, whereby the grip has a limited route it can travel when the guide is rotated around the pivot of the support or base. The guides provide for grip movement in front of the user and to the sides of the user's torso. This grip movement encourages the movement of the user's torso and shoulders.

In some exemplary implementations the bases or supports are generally placed opposing each other. The opposing relationship need not be parallel and may be variable, fixed or adjustable. In some embodiments the supports or bases may extend from the ground, rest beneath a user, and/or rest on a user's lap.

In some exemplary implementations the bases or supports are generally placed central to the user's torso situated in front of the user's abdomen.

During use, a user's hands each hold a hand grip. The movement of the grip around a pivot, guided through a generally circular or elliptical movement, also may direct the user's body to move up and down, side to side or both up and down and side to side. A guide associated with each grip provides for the guided movement. The guide may be a wheel, arm, lever or other movable member, the grip is guided in a generally circling path during exercise. Each grips can be moved or “driven” around the pivot on the guide in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction

Resistance against which a user moves or drives the grips around the pivot can be added. Resistance may be friction based or frictionless. Weight, air, wheels, and magnets are some (but not an exclusive list) of resistance providing elements which may be frictionless. Gears, belts, wheels, clutches, brakes, weight are some, bit not an exclusive list of resistance elements which may use friction. Resistance may be provided by a combination of friction and frictionless elements. Resistance may be fixed, variable or adjustable.

In some exemplary implementations the exercise device may provide a guided non-resistance arm and body movement.

In some exemplary implementations the may provide a guided weighted arm and body movement.

In some exemplary implementations the exercise device may provide a guided resistance arm and body movement.

Guided resistance may be provided by a movable wheel, moving members, levers, and weighted members having a frictional or non-friction force applied thereto.

The method of exercise is causing each arm of the user to be guided through a smooth motion, at least partially, around a pivot. The movement for each arm may be a full 360 degree ovid, ellipse or circle around a pivot, or around an arc (which represent a movement of less than 360 degrees around a pivot).

The guided movement of the user's arms may be together or staggered. The arms may both be moved clockwise around the pivots. The user's arms may be moved counter-clockwise around the pivots. The user may move one arm clockwise around on pivot and one arm counter clockwise around the other pivot.

Leg position may also be used to target a particular muscle group or body region during the method of exercise and the method of use of the device. Feet close in to a seat as opposed to legs outstretched. Feet apart as opposed to feet together. On foot outstretched and one foot close in. The device may be used from a kneeling position, seated, reclining or standing.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth, in part, in the descriptions which follow and the accompanying drawings, wherein preferred embodiments and some exemplary implementations of the present invention are described and shown, and in part, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings or may be learned by practice of the present invention. The advantages of the present invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations of elements and instrumentalities particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the dual circling exercise device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front view of the dual circling exercise device of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 1D and 1E are side sequential views of the a method of use of the dual circling exercise device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a top view of the dual circling exercise device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a side view of the kneel use of the dual circling exercise device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a side view of an alternate stand up dual circling exercise device of the dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 2 is force application diagram of a circling wheel element.

FIG. 3 is a partial view of a circling wheel element with magnetic resistance.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of a circling wheel element with friction resistance.

FIG. 5 is another partial view of a circling wheel element with friction resistance.

FIG. 6A is an another implementation of a dual circling exercise device of the exercise device.

FIG. 6B is force application diagram of a circling wheel element with circling disk.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of a circling wheel element and circling disk with magnetic resistance.

FIGS. 8A-8C are an another implementation of a dual circling exercise device of the exercise device.

FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the implementation of a dual circling exercise device shown in FIG. 8A with movable weight.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial views of a circling wheel element with air pressure resistance.

FIGS. 11A-11B show another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 12 shows another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 13 shows another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

FIGS. 14A-14B show another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

FIGS. 15A-15B show another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 16 shows another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

FIGS. 17A-17B show another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 18 show another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 19 show another implementation of a dual circling exercise device.

It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding elements.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Shown in FIGS. 1A-1E is a dual circling exercise device 10. A pair of guides shown as rotatable wheel elements 12 & 12′ are affixed, generally opposite one another, each to a spindle support 14 & 14′. The wheel elements need not be parallel. Each rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′ is pivotally fixed to a support. In the implantation shown in FIGS. 1A-1E the support is a side base 16 & 16′. Each rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′ may also be weighted. The weighting may be evenly distributed around the wheel or distributed unevenly. A hand grip 18 & 18′ is affixed to each rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′. During use each hand grip is held by a user 100 in the user's hands 102. To exercise with the device a user moves or “drives” each handle around at least an arc which is part of a generally circular pathway around each pivot 14 & 14′. The user may move the handles together or separately. The user may move the handles clockwise or counterclockwise or one in each direction. The user can make slow movements or may use the device for a more aerobic workout by repeatedly circling the grips around the pivots on each side.

The user may grip the handles palm down or palm up. Those skilled in the art will recognize that grips shown as handles generally perpendicular to the rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′, may be replaced with angled grips.

The hand grips may be fixed to the rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′ guides. It is preferred that the grips can freely rotate where attached to the rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′. The user's arm and hand movements, as shown in FIGS. 1D & 1E drive the wheel element 12′ along the line of arrow 1000 around the spindle 14′. The spindle 14′ acts as a pivot. Only one wheel element is shown in the side view of FIGS. 1D & 1E, this is not a limitation the second wheel element is also being rotated as indicated by the movement of the back arm 103.

The user 100 can sit on a seat 20 as shown in FIG. 1D and 1E, kneeling as shown in FIG. 1F, or standing as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1G. The seat may be connected to, or rest on, a base 22. To raise the side base 16 leg lifts 24 are attached to the bottom 26 of the side base 16.

The side bases 16 & 16′ may fix the rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′ generally parallel to each other, or they may provide of adjustment of the rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′ ( as shown in FIG. 1B) whereby they are non-parallel thereby placing the hand grips 18 & 18′ closer or further apart dependant on the angle of the wheels (or other moving member used instead of a wheel)

Shown in FIG. 2 is a force diagram of a rotatable wheel element 12 showing regions where force may be applied. A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the spindle 14 along the lines, generally, of arrow 510. A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the edge 13 of the rotatable wheel element 12 along the line of arrows 520. A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the edge 13 of the rotatable wheel element 12 along the line of arrow 522. The rotatable wheel element 12 may also be weighted, separately or in addition to the application a braking or resistive force. Those skilled in the are will recognize that the force diagram is applicable to other types of guides and the rotatable wheel elements are not a limitation.

FIG. 3 shows the application of a magnetic force at the edge 13 of the rotatable wheel element 12. At the edge of the rotatable wheel element 12 a magnetic region 32 is provided. The magnetic region 32 may be magnetized metal or a material attractive to magnetic forces. A magnet 34 is connected to the device (at the side base) in either a fixed or adjustable fashion in close proximity to the magnetic region 32. In FIG. 3 the position of the magnet 34 is adjustable. Moving the magnet in relationship to the magnetic region 32 varies the magnetic force applied to the magnetic region 32. The magnet rests on a movable base 36. One or more magnets 34 may be placed around the rotatable wheel element 12. Magnetic force is without friction.

Shown in FIG. 4 is a friction brake 19 engaged at the spindle 14 whereby friction is applied to the spindle 14 along the line of arrow 510 to provide a resistive force.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a friction roller 53 on a roller spindle 54 which is pressed against the edge 13 of the rotatable wheel element 12 to provide a resistive force. One or more rollers 53 may be placed around a rotatable wheel element 12.

FIGS. 6A and 6B differs from FIG. 1A by the attachment of a rotating disk 62 & 62′ affixed to each spindle 14 & 14′ inside the interior of each side base 64 and 64′. A foot rest 66 is also provided.

Shown in FIG. 6B is a magnetic or frictional force diagram of a rotating disk 62 and rotatable wheel element 12 showing regions where force may be applied to the rotating disk 62. A force may be applied to the edge 67 of the rotating disk 62 along the line of arrow 530. A magnetic or frictional force may be applied to the edge 67 of the rotating disk 62 along the line of arrows 540. The rotating disk 62 may also be weighted.

Shown in FIG. 7 shows the application of a magnetic force at the edge 67 of the rotating disk 62. At the edge of the rotating disk 62 a magnetic region 32 is provided. The magnetic region 32 may be a magnetized metal or a material attractive to magnetic forces. A magnet 34 is affixed to the device (in the side base) in close proximity to the magnetic region 32. In FIG. 7 the magnet 34 is resting on a movable base 68. One or more magnets 34 may be placed around the rotating disk 62.

Shown in FIGS. 8A-8C is a dual rotating exercise device 70 wherein the guides are extended arms 72 & 72′. In this exemplary implementation the arms 72 & 72′ are connected to rotating disks. A pair of rotating disks 62 & 62′ are affixed, generally opposite one another, each to a spindle support 14 & 14′, to a side base 76 & 76′. Each rotating disk 62 & 62′ may also be weighted. A movable hand grip 78 & 78′ is affixed movably to each arm 72 & 72′. A slot 79 in each arm 72 & 72′ allows the hand grip 78 & 78′ to slide in relation to the spindle 14 and 14′. The spindle is the pivot point. Altering the distance of a hand grip to a pivot point changes the distance the users hand, arm and body are guided through when rotating an arm around the spindle 14. The change in position of the hand grip also changes the force required to move the arm.

Shown in FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary implementation, with a lifting weight added. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 operates similarly to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, however a weight 82, which may be a fixed amount or adjustable, is attached to the rotating disk 62. The weight 82 is held on a cable 84 which attaches to a cable mount 86 on the rotating disk 62. the cable is suspended from a cable guide 88. The weight travels up and down below the guide 88 corresponding to the movement of the rotating disk 62.

Sown in FIGS. 10A and 10B is a rotatable fan wheel element 90. Each fan wheel element 90 is constructed of two side wheels 92 & 92′. Spaced between the side wheels 92 & 92′ are fan blades 95 which extend from the pivot 14 to the periphery 96 of the fan wheel element. When a fan wheel element turns around the pivot 14 when the user engages the hand grip 18. The movement of the fan blades 95 through the air creates resistance against the fan blades 95.

Shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 are dual rotating exercise devices 300 which are supported, at least in part, on a user's legs and/or lap as shown in FIG. 12. The guides for the dual rotating exercise device 300 are extended arms 72 & 72′. In this exemplary implementation the movable members include the extended arms connected to elongated spindle supports 314 & 314′. The movable member forms a guide around which the hand grips 78 & 78′ move. The arms 72 & 72′ connected to the elongated spindle support 314 & 314′ are each movably fixed to a central base 320 whereby the arms may be moved, by the user 100, independently of each other. A user 100 will alternatively move the shoulders 101A & 101B forward as the user's hands 102 move with the movable members. Alternatively the elongated spindles may be connected and the extended arms 72 & 72′ would thereby move non-independently.

The central base 320 is connected to a lap base whereby the central base 320 rests upon the legs 103 of the seated 500 user 100 during use.

The central base 320 may be constructed of a hard or soft material. The central base may be blow molded to accept water, sand or other fillable material to add weight. The central base may be a combination of soft and hard portions whereby the bottom portion 321, which rests on the user's legs and lap, may be harder or softer and the top portion the opposite hardness of softness. The bottom portion 321 of the central base 320 may be flat, contoured to fit the user's legs or a combination of curved and/or flat areas.

A pivot mount 330 is provided on each side of the central base 320. The pivot mount may be one or more bearings, sleeves or other structure which secures the elongated spindle supports 314 & 314′ in a movable fashion to the central base 320.

Shown in FIG. 12 is a keel 335 added to help limit movement of the central base during usage. In addition to, or in conjunction with, the keel 335 side legs 338 & 338′ and/or a lap belt 340 (see FIG. 11A) with a fasteners 342 & 344 may also be added.

A hand grip 78 & 78′ is affixed movably to each arm 72 & 72′. A slot may be provided in each arm 72 & 72′ (shown in FIGS. 8A-C) to allow the hand grip 78 & 78′ to slide. Alternatively hand grip mounts 346-346″ (shown in FIG. 11B) may be provide in which the hand grips may be selectively mounted and unmounted. The elongated spindles supports each are a pivot point. Altering the distance of a hand grip to a pivot point changes the distance the user's 100 hand 102, arm and body are guided through when rotating an arm around the spindle supports 314 & 314′ which act as the pivots. The change in position of the hand grip also changes the force required to move the arm.

Resistance may be increased magnetically, as previously described, or by friction. Brakes, clutches belts and the like are suitable for providing frictional resistance. In this exemplary implementation a friction brake 350 at the spindle supports (pivots) 314 & 314′ whereby friction is applied to the spindles supports 314 & 314′ to provide a resistive force. Increasing the pressure of the friction brake 350 provides a greater force to rotate the spindle supports 314 & 314′ against. A turn knob 360 supported by the central base 320 is shown in FIG. 11B. The turn knob 360 presses the friction brake 350 against the spindles 314 & 314′. Bottom brakes 362 may be added against which the pressure of the friction brake may work.

One of many possible alternative friction brakes are bicycle type squeeze brakes which clamp on either side of the spindle supports 314 & 314 ′. Various other known friction brakes and members may be used and those skilled in the art will understand that the use of other friction producing brakes or members is within the scope of the invention herein. Separate frictional resistance members may be used to independently apply friction to each spindle support.

Shown in FIGS. 13 are variations of the dual circling exercise device with keel 335 extensions. A contoured keel 335 to fit snuggly against the user's legs 103 is shown. A keel extension 375 may be added to further contour the around the user's legs thereby providing a region to squeeze and/or hold with a user's legs. The squeezing and/or holding may also be used to exercise the user's legs.

Another friction brake is shown in FIGS. 14A-14B. A belt member 375 is placed, under tension, against each spindle support 314 & 314′. The spindle supports 314 & 314′ turn freely in the pivot mounts 330 and the belt member provides a resistance against which the user turns the spindle supports. The belt member 375 may be set at a fixed tension or the tension may be adjustable. A single belt member may be used in place of the two separate belt members shown. A turn knob 360 threaded through the central base 320 and with a pressure pin 365 is shown in FIG. 14B. The belt member 375 is attached to the inside of the central base 320 via fasteners 322 such as rivets, screws, hooks, bolts and adhesives. By moving the end 366 of the pressure pin 365 against the belt member 375—the belt member is displaced thereby increasing the tension on the spindle support 314.

Shown in FIGS. 15A & 15B is a dual circling exercise device with a flat seat 380. The flat seat 380 is shown extended from the keel 335. A user places the central base 320 above the legs 103 and the flat seat 380 below to hold the device in place during use. The flat seat may have extended legs (not shown) and form a stool. The flat seat may be placed between a stool or chair 500 and the user.

In FIG. 16 a abdominal and lap positioned dual circling exercise device is shown. A first outer wall 323 of the central base 320 rests against the user's abdominal region 104. A second outer wall 324 of the central base 320 is on the user's lap (on top of the legs 103). The user 100 on a stool 501 with a seat 500 is shown using the device. Any tendency of the central base 320 to rotate during use may be reduced by placing the central base 320 against both the lap and abdominal regions of the user.

Another resistance means for a dual circling exercise device is shown in FIGS. 17A-17B. Paddle members 390 are affixed to the ends of the spindles supports 314 & 314′ which are inside the central base 320. Paddle blades 392 secured around the spindle support form the paddle members 390. channels 394 or other contours may be formed in the paddle members 390. A weighted substrate such as water, oil, liquid, sand, gravel, pellets or beads are placed inside the cavity 325 of the central base 320. A blow molded central base 320 is a preferred process to form a central base 320 with a cavity 325. Appropriate gaskets, seals or bushings should be used to seal the cavity 325, particularly if a liquid is used as the substrate 395.

It is the movement of the paddle members 390 against the substrate 395 which provides resistance to the user's rotation of the spindle supports 314 & 314′.

In FIG. 18 an under the user dual circling exercise device 400 is shown. The short wall supports 401 & 401′ to which spindle supports 14 & 14′ (the pivots) are affixed through function to support both the extended arms 72 & 72′ and the rotating disks 62 & 62′. A hand grip 78 & 78′ is affixed movably to each arm 72 & 72′. the user's 100 hands 102 hold the hand grips 78. The user 100 places the flat seat 380 which supports the short wall supports 401 & 401′ on a stool 501 with a seat 500 (or other chair-like structure or bench). The user's body weight holds the device 400 against the seat 500. A friction brake 19 is shown. The brake provides a resistance against which the rotating disks must move during use. As previously discussed a wide variety of weighted, friction and/or non-friction resistance providing systems or devices may be used in place of the friction brake 19.

In FIG. 19 an under the user dual circling exercise device 410 is shown. Elastic arms 411 formed of elastic stands or cords 412 each connected to a short wall 401 at the pivot end 413 and to a hand grip 414 at the other end. A less elastic cord 415 (which may be a strap, rope or line) is also connected to the short wall 401 at or near the pivot end 413 and to the hand grip 414. The less elastic cord 415 can provide a limit to the elastic strand or cords 412 thereby limiting the distance the elastic arms 411 stretch. The short walls 401 are connected to a flat seat 380. During use a user sits on a stool 501 with a seat 500 (or other chair-like structure or bench). The user's body weight holds the device 410 against the seat 500. The user can drive the hand grips 414 attached to the elastic arms (which act as guides) around the pivot end 413 in a generally circular movement.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description, as shown in the accompanying drawing, shall be interpreted in an illustrative, and not a limiting sense. 

1. A method of exercise comprising: placing a base on a user's lap with two generally opposing rotatable grips each grip connected by a guide to a pivot; grasping a grip in each hand; and, using at least the user's arms to rotate grips and the guides at least partially around each pivots.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the guides are arms.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the pivots are spindle supports.
 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising applying a resistive force to at least one of the spindle supports.
 5. The method of claim 1 the method further comprising applying a braking force to at least one of the pivots.
 6. The method of claim 3 the method further comprising applying a braking force to at least one of the spindle supports.
 7. An exercise device comprising: a central base capable of being supported at least in part by a user's lap; and two generally opposing movable members connected pivotally to the central base.
 8. The exercise device of claim 7 further comprising a means for applying a resistive force to the movable members.
 9. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the resistive force is frictional.
 10. The exercise device of claim 7 wherein the movable members are at least grips connected to arms pivotally connected to the central base.
 11. The exercise device of claim 7 further comprising a keel extending from the bottom of the central base.
 12. The exercise device of claim 7 wherein the resistive force is magnetic.
 13. An exercise device comprising: a substantially hollow central base; two generally opposing movable members connected pivotally to the central base; paddle members inside the hollow central base connected to the movable members; and a substrate inside the hollow central base whereby the paddles are movable by displacing the substrate.
 14. The exercise device of claim 11 wherein: the movable members are at least grips connected to arms connected to spindle supports pivotally connected to the central base; and the paddles members are attached to the spindle supports.
 15. The exercise device of claim 11 wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of liquid, beads, pellets, gravel and sand. 